My neighbor's construction project is making a lot of noise - what is allowed?

It depends on who is doing the work and when.

If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) or an owner/occupant doing your own construction on a site with an active building permit:

  • Monday through Friday through from 7 am to 8 am - Light noise associated with preparing the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools are permitted.
  • Monday through Friday through from 8 am to 5 pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
  • Monday through Friday through from 5 pm to 6 pm - Light noise associated with disassembling the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
  • Saturdays, Sundays, and City Holidays - No construction is permitted. This does not include non-construction landscaping (landscape maintenance) which must abide by the standard (non-construction) noise ordinance requirements. 

If you are an owner/occupant and are doing home maintenance not associated with a site with an active building permit:

Certain types of activities and noise sources associated with residential living are permitted under the City's municipal code. With the exception of gas-powered leaf blowers, low-noise generating power garden equipment (such as hedge clippers, weed-eaters, lawnmowers) is permitted as follows:

  • Monday through Friday through from 7 am to 8 am - No heavy equipment power tools permitted
  • Monday through Friday through from 8 am to 5 pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted
  • Monday through Friday through from 5 pm to 6 pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted
  • Saturdays - Construction allowed 9 am to 5 pm by the homeowner(s) only (no outside help, hired or otherwise).
  • Sundays and City Holidays - No construction is permitted

Please Note: Unless expressly permitted by the City of Mill Valley, landscape construction work is not permitted on weekends and holidays and must abide by the same rules as regular construction. This does not apply to landscape maintenance which must abide by the non-construction noise ordinance requirements. 

No-Work Holidays:

  • New Years Day
  • MLK Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

Complaints:

  • Noise violations are handled by the Police Department. Please contact them as the violation is occurring so that they may address it directly. The Police Department can be reached at 415-389-4100. 

Show All Answers

1. My neighbor's construction project is making a lot of noise - what is allowed?
2. Do I need a building permit?
3. What are the dangers of mold and mildew and whom do I call if I encounter this problem?
4. It seems like almost anything I improve, repair, or replace on my property requires a permit. Why is this?
5. OK, I think I’m ready to apply for a permit. What information does the City need to begin the process?
6. How long will it take before I can get my permit?
7. Can I get started on the project before I actually obtain my permit?
8. What are these additional charges that don’t seem relevant to the scope of my project? What is a Road Impact Fee? Drainage Fee?
9. Does my project need to be completed within a certain time?
10. I’m thinking about renting, purchasing, or renovating a commercial proper. What do I need to be aware of in regards to City requirements?
11. How far in advance do story poles have to be put up? How long do they stay up?
12. I don’t understand how getting a permit for my project will actually benefit me; it just costs me money. What happens if I just do the work, and don’t bother with a permit?
13. I’m a property owner and I'd like to get a copy of the original set of building plans for my house. Do I still need approval of the design professional?
14. Why should pools be maintained and what should I do if I know of someone with a pool that is not being maintained?
15. I’m a new business owner and will be replacing the old sign with my new name. Do I still need a sign permit?
16. What days are no-construction work days?
17. I’m considering a home improvement/repair project, and I’m not sure where to start. What’s my first step?
18. Is there any way to expedite my approval, especially if it is a small project?
19. What do I do if I own or know of a vacant, unsecured substandard structure?
20. How does the inspection process work?
21. How do I report a code violation?
22. I can’t decide whether to hire a licensed contractor, or be my own contractor and manage the project myself to save money. What are the pros and cons of each?
23. RBR (re-sale) inspection - If unpermitted work or expired permits are discovered, what do I do?
24. How much will my building permit cost?
25. I am concerned about hoarding – what do I do?